Edmonton, AB -- The new-look Edmonton Oilers put their roster to the test tonight when they welcome the Colorado Avalanche to Rexall Place for the 2005-06 season opener.

Edmonton was one of the big winners of the NHL's abbreviated offseason, as Chris Pronger and Mike Peca entered the fold. Both players headed to Alberta via trade.

Pronger, of course, is a former Hart and Norris Trophy winner, who when healthy, is the prototypical defenseman for the 21st century. He has mammoth size and knows how to use it, and he can contribute offensively. Peca, a two- time Selke winner, is among the league's top two-way forwards.

Both players were team captains on their last club, giving the Oilers some more intangibles as they try to get back into the postseason.

That was pretty much it in terms of additions for Lowe. As for losses, Eric Brewer went to St. Louis in the Pronger deal, and Mike York headed to Long Island in the Peca trade.

Ryan Smyth will probably flank Peca's left side, as he re-signed with the Oilers over the summer. He was Edmonton's leading scorer in 03-04 with 23 goals and 36 assists. Those were actually down numbers for the 29-year-old, who also beings terrific leadership qualities to the table.

Ty Conklin will enter a season as the starting goaltender for the first time. In 03-04, he appeared in 38 games (35 starts) and went 17-14-4 with a 2.42 goals-against average and .912 save percentage. Conklin has also been active for USA Hockey, including a stellar showing at this year's World Championships. Conklin is 29 as the new season approaches and this will only be his second full season.

Edmonton went 3-4-1 in the postseason.

Colorado, meanwhile, did not benefit from the new CBA as the Oilers did. The most notable exit was that of former Hart Trophy winner Peter Forsberg, who signed a free agent deal with Philadelphia. The Avalanche simply didn't have enough cap space to satisfy the superstar and they had to let him walk.

Defenseman Adam Foote also fled, inking a contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, while Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne, who suffered through disappointing seasons in Denver, are gone as well.

However, the Avalanche still have a decent core remaining on the roster. Joe Sakic is back as captain, while Rob Blake, Milan Hejduk and Alex Tanguay also remain at new head coach Joel Quenneville's disposal.

As far as free agency went, the Avs were relatively quiet due to their cap situation. Pierre Turgeon will provide reliable help at the center position in the wake of Forsberg's departure, while Patrice Brisebois adds some dependability at the blue line.

The Avs were 4-0-2 in exhibition play.

Colorado went 4-2 against Edmonton in 03-04.